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NBA Playoffs: Ranking Each First Round Match-Up

By Isaac Harris
Apr 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives against Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) drives against Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 118-107. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) reacts after injuring his hand in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) reacts after injuring his hand in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

6.) (6) Dallas Mavericks vs. (3) Oklahoma City

The completely healthy and young Thunder against the “Masking Tape Mavs”…as Rick Carlisle likes to call them.

The Thunder come into the series headlined by two of the top five players in the NBA. Russell Westbrook continues to set triple double records and Kevin Durant is one of the best players in the world. Even their supporting cast is healthy, young, and motivated in getting back to the Finals.

Dallas simply looks like a MASH unit limping to OKC. Chandler Parsons is out for the year, David Lee is doubtful for Game 1, J.J. Barea and Devin Harris are questionable, and the rest of the team is just figuring out how to not get injured. All jokes aside, Dallas still has one of the greatest players of all-time in Dirk Nowitzki who is still capable of putting up 25 a night, but outside of him, nothing is guaranteed in Dallas.

I want this to be fun, but I’m afraid it won’t.

Next: Rockets/Warriors

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